Transit officials roll out new high-tech fare pass

The North County Transit District and Metropolitan Transit System started issuing “smart cards” for those buying monthly Coaster and premium express bus passes.

By mid-summer, all monthly paper passes throughout the county will be replaced with the new Compass cards, including on the trolley. Riders will eventually be able to use the cards to pay for day passes and other fares.

Each card includes an electronic chip. When riders board public transit, they are required to tap the card over a scanning device. –S.S.